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CARTHAGE (AP) — A former mortician whose killing of a rich widow shook an East Texas town and later inspired a movie has been released on bond. A judge set a $10,000 bond for Bernie Tiede Tuesday after recommending a reduction of his life prison term. Jail records show Tiede was released on bond Tuesday afternoon from the Panola County Detention Center in Carthage. Tiede, who’s now 55, was convicted in 1999 for the shooting death of his 81-year-old longtime companion Marjorie Nugent in Carthage. The case inspired the 2012 dark comedy “Bernie” that starred Jack Black in the title role and Shirley MacLaine as Nugent. The judge has agreed to let Tiede live with filmmaker Richard Linklater, who co-wrote and directed the film. Tiede will be under strict bond conditions. Continue reading Bernie Tiede Freed from Prison Early

TYLER — May is National Building Safety Month, and officials with the city of Tyler say they’re pleased to announce that building permits are up 15.1 percent from this time last year. Not only are permits of all types (commercial and residential building, electrical, plumbing, etc.) increasing, but the number of inspections is on the rise as well. “This rise in permits and inspections means a great boost for our local economy,” said Development Services Engineer Michael Wilson. “These homes and businesses bring in more jobs and area attractions.” Continue reading Construction Permits Up during National Safety Month

TYLER — A new committee has been tasked to take a proactive approach to planning for all Smith County election events, according to county officials. According to a news release, the Smith County Election Preparation Committee (EPC) will meet Wednesday to discuss what is currently working within the Smith County election process, what aspects can be improved, and what goals can be set for the future as Smith County continues to grow. “We want to look at each election event from the moment the voting machines are turned on to the moment the final tally is submitted to the state,” Smith County Elections Administrator Karen Nelson said. Continue reading New Committee Seeks Input on Smith County Election Process

CENTER (AP) – An East Texas man suspected of stealing a pickup truck has been fatally shot by officers after the fleeing vehicle hit a Department of Public Safety trooper. DPS says another trooper and a Center police officer shot and killed Jonathan Swindle, 38, of Shelbyville to end Sunday night’s pursuit. Trooper Zachary Mills of Center was listed in good condition Tuesday at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. DPS spokesman Tom Vinger says Mills was out of his patrol car when he was struck while in a ditch as Swindle drove off a road and around a spiked strip near Center. Another trooper and a Center officer then shot Swindle. DPS did not identify that trooper. Center police did not immediately return a message Tuesday.

LONGVIEW — A police officer in Longview has resigned from his position on the squad and a lieutenant has been placed on leave as a result of an investigation into allegations of alleged sexual contact while on duty. According to the Longview Police Department, Patrol Office Adam Vanover submitted his resignation Friday, April 25th after an investigation stemmed from allegations he had engaged in sexual conduct while on duty. Also, Lt. Ronald Buckner, a 34 year veteran with Longview Police Department, was placed on leave after he was accused of being involved in the situation concerning Vanover. Longview Chief of Police Don Dingler said they have reason to believe Vanover downloaded and received explicit material on the department’s computer equipment while on duty as well as engaged in sexual contact. Continue reading One Officer Resigns, One on Leave Following Investigation

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has received a research grant to study harvester ants through the Texas Ecolab Program. With the $6,000 award, the UT Tyler Department of Biology, led by research associate Dr. Katrin Kellner, will study the population genetics of two Texas red harvester ant species, Pogonomyrmex barbatus and Pogonomyrmex comanche. The survey will reveal if populations of these ants are endangered and need further protection status. They currently are listed as “Species of Interest.” Continue reading UT Tyler Biology Department Receives Grant

TYLER – Today is the last day for early voting in the May 10 municipal elections around East Texas. In Tyler, Martin Heines faces Joel Rando in the race for mayor; Don Warren and Eleno Licea square off in the bid for City Council District 4, which Heines represented until recently. In the Tyler school board elections, incumbent Orenthia Mason faces Cedrick Granberry in District 2, while incumbent Ross Strader is challenged by Barbara Smith in District 5.

LINDALE — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith will hold a town hall meeting Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Lindale High School cafeteria, located at 910 East Hubbard. Sheriff Smith conducted a town hall in Whitehouse on April 24 and held four during 2013. “The town halls have been well-received,” said Smith. “They provide the citizens an opportunity to know how their Sheriff’s Office is being run, and give me the opportunity to hear their ideas regarding how we can better serve their needs. It is my hope that everyone in the Lindale area will take just 90 minutes to join me on May 6.” Smith said additional town halls are scheduled for May 13 at Chapel Hill High School, and May 22 at the New Harmony Community Center.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing teenager who may be a runaway. According to Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Don Martin, Luz Gonzales, 14, was last seen Tuesday, April 29, at Hogg Middle School. Gonzalez was spotted wearing a burgundy hooded sweater, khakis, and silver shoes. The teen has black hair and brown eyes and stands 5’1. She weighs about 105 pounds. Authorities say she may have run away with a Facebook friend. Contact Detective Chris Miller at the Tyler Police Department, (903) 531-1000, or Tyler/Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833 if you have any information on her whereabouts.

LONGVIEW — One person sustained what are termed life-threatening injuries in an accident involving a Spring Hill ISD bus in Longview. KETK reports the accident occurred at Spring Hill Road and McCann Road. According to the Longview Police Department, the driver of the school bus, identified as school district mechanic B.J. Benton, failed to yield the right-of-way, striking a pickup truck. That truck then went flying across the roadway, hitting another truck. The injured person, who was driving the first truck, was taken to a local hospital. The driver of the second truck was not injured. Benton was also uninjured and is being cited for failure to yield, along with being suspended from the driver’s position at SHISD pending toxciology reports, which is standard procedure. No children were on the bus at the time of the crash.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department confiscated nearly $35,000 in cash after a Friday afternoon traffic stop, according to authorities. KETK reports that Sergeant Jarod Sears executed the stop on a car which was traveling on Interstate 20. According to police, after an initial interview of the driver, Sears became suspicious of the driver’s actions and storyline. Officials say Sears got the driver’s consent to search the vehicle and then found $34,970 in U.S. currency hidden within the vehicle. The money and vehicle were both seized by police due to suspected money laundering common with drug trafficking operations. The driver has not been charged with a criminal offense at this time.

TYLER — Officials from online, nonprofit university WGU Texas announced Monday that in addition to its well-known Finish to Go Further program, the university is launching a brand new Pursuit of Excellence Transfer Scholarship. During a news conference at Tyler Junior College, officials said the move aims to encourage emerging leaders in East Texas to continue their education at WGU Texas. “We’re all working together to increase post-secondary completion rates in East Texas and across the state,” Dr. Bill Holda, President of Kilgore College. “Through WGU Texas’ Pursuit of Excellence Transfer Scholarship, we will be able to recognize the truly outstanding students who graduate from our local community colleges and provide them a high quality and affordable avenue to further their education and future career.” Continue reading WGU Texas Announces Over $55,000 in College Scholarships

HARRISON COUNTY — Traffic was snarled Monday as crews worked the scene of a crash off U.S. Highway 80 between Longview and Hallsville involving a train and a tractor-trailer rig near Trinity Industries in western Harrison County. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Harrison County Sheriff’s office spokesman Jay Webb said people involved sustained some injuries but the crash was not fatal. Webb added that the collision took down power lines and that Southwestern Electric Power Co. has cut off power in the area. SWEPCO is reporting that 200 people are without power in Harrison County. SWEPCO crews worked to install a new power pole at the scene. Traffic was blocked in both directions on U.S. 80 after the crash.

KILGORE — An East Texas man under indictment for indecency with a child is sought by the Kilgore Police Department for indecent exposure. According to KETK, Lewis Lavon Jones, 51, Kilgore, is known to drive a 1992 Tan Ford Pickup with Texas License Plates BNK-4913. The indictment for child indecency was issued in Panola County.

GREGG COUNTY — A weekend shooting in Gregg County has left one person dead and one inured and a suspect in custody. The shooting just before 7:40 Saturday night in the 100 block of Gamel Road killed Jacklyn Flores, 17. She died from a gunshot wound to the head. A 33-year-old woman, said to be the girl’s mother, had multiple gunshot wounds to the back. The woman was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center for treatment and the teen was transported to Longview Regional Medical Center. Jacklyn Flores was pronounced dead at 8:26 PM. Continue reading Gregg County Murder Suspect Identified

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in Smith County by the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY – Construction crews this week resume resurfacing operations on North Loop 323 in Tyler in an effort to conclude the construction project between U.S. Highway 69 North and the Loop 323 Extension. Meanwhile, Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews on Monday were due to conclude base and pavement repair work on SH 64 west of Tyler, then move on Tuesday to perform the same work on U.S. Highway 271 between North Loop 323 and Farm Road 2015. A second crew is scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on East Loop 323 between the Loop 323 Extension and Commerce Street. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists should be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zones. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

LONGVIEW — The Longview Fire Department is investigating two suspected arson from Friday night, according to Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. Firefighters responded to a blaze about 8 p.m. Friday at a home on 15th Street. The second fire came about an hour-and-a-half later at a residence on Gay Street. Both single-family homes were unoccupied at the time of the fires, and no one was injured. There was “significant damage” to the homes once firefighters arrived, Zackary said. Anyone with information about the fires can report it anonymously by calling Gregg County Crime Stoppers at (903) 236-STOP.

TYLER — The Centers for Disease Control and other health organizations said students who have head lice do not need to be sent home early from school and can attend class as usual. Tyler Independent School District met and decided to implement this new code. It’s been cleared with a couple organizations, if your kid or your kid’s classmate has lice at any TISD school, they are allowed to stay in class. This policy was implemented right away and will appear in their handbook next school year. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, lice is not infectious or dangerous and kids should be able to stay in class. Continue reading TISD Allowing Kids with Lice to Attend Class

TYLER — Around 4,000 people were in downtown Tyler Saturday to enjoy Texas BBQ, beer, and country music. Townsquare media made Tyler history with the first ever Red Dirt Festival. Fifteen BBQ restaurants from across the state traveled to Tyler to showcase their ribs, sausage, and brisket. “Texas BBQ has always been a great tradition for decades, but over the past few years its really exploded with popularity,” said Chase Colston with Townsquare media. Famous restaurants from as close as Stanley’s in Tyler, and as far as famous ones in Austin gave East Texans a chance to try out their tasty menus. Colston said, “people travel all over the place to see them and we wanted to bring these places to Tyler to really showcase not only each restaurant but also different styles, really showcase the best of it all.”

LONGVIEW — The 17-year-old charged with three counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury in connection with an April shooting that left three dead has asked to have his $300,000 bond cut down. According to the Longview News-Journal, Jakerion Allison of Longview was arrested April 16, 10 days after the shooting. The application was submitted Monday. The April shooting on Beaumont Street left Anthony Anderson, 35, Tavarus Christopher Glaspie, 35, and Josiah “Joey” Hollister, 15, dead.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Builders Association has announced the beneficiaries of the upcoming 2014 Parade of Homestm will be Kingdom Life Academy and Rockin’ C Ranch’s Camp Courageous for special needs children. “For a number of years, we have chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds from the Parade to organizations that serve our community,” said Libby Simmons, executive vice-president of TABA. “It is our way of giving back to the community that gives so much to us.” More than 4,000 visitors toured the Parade last year. Continue reading TABA Announces Parade of Homes Beneficiaries

TYLER — Tyler ISD’s graduation rates exceed those of Texas and the United States, according to information from the school district. TISD’s 2012 graduation rate hit 92 percent, beating the state average by 4 percent. Furthermore, Tyler ISD graduation rates exceeded the state and the nation in every demographic group. According to a news release, “Tyler ISD applauds districts across the State in their achievements” while celebrating its own good news. The United States Department of Education this week released a study showing 2012 graduation rates of Texas students to be among the highest in the country. Texas posted a graduation rate of 88 percent, coming in behind only Iowa and tied for second place with Nebraska, Vermont and Wisconsin. Furthermore, in 2012, Texas had the highest graduation rates among African-American students and tied for the highest graduation rates for white and economically disadvantaged students.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road and Bridge crews have completed reconstruction of a well-traveled bridge on County Road 137 just north of Bullard. The reconstructed bridge is made of concrete, has two full lanes and will improve a number of safety issues for that road, according to a county news release. Before improvements began, the wooden bridge which crosses over Henshaw Creek was only large enough to allow a single car to pass at a time. Crews also moved the location of the bridge to straighten out a dangerous curve in CR 137, improving visibility for both directions of traffic, according to officials. As of May 2, the bridge is now reopened to through traffic. Continue reading County Road 137 Now Open

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has named its newest housing facility, Dr. Howard Patterson, vice president for student affairs, announced. Officials say Eagle’s Landing, formerly the Village at the U, will offer a unique campus living option for university upperclassmen. UT Tyler held a naming contest opened to all students, faculty and staff. The university received more than 200 entries. Continue reading UT Tyler Announces Name for New Housing

COVE SPRINGS — The West Jacksonville Water Supply Corporation, which serves the Cove Springs area, is notifying all its customers to boil their water prior to consumption. The boil water notice was issued on the order of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. It specifically addresses customers who experienced low pressure or were without water Friday. Continue reading Boil Water Notice for Cove Springs

RUSK — The death of a man found in a Cherokee County ditch is now being investigated as a homicide. KETK reports that according to the Rusk Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Underwood around 8:40 Tuesday evening on a call for help. When police arrived they found Xavier Lang, 22, lying in an eastbound ditch with arm and head injuries. He was pronounced dead Wednesday by Smith County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace James Meredith after being flown to a Tyler hospital. Lang’s body has been sent to Dallas for autopsy, and the results are expected to be back sometime this weekend.

MARSHALL — Former Harrison County deputy Eddie Nichols is serving 5 years in prison for indecency with a child. Now his wife has been sentenced in the same case. KETK reports Sharon Nichols was pleading no contest to two counts of injury to a child. She was accused of causing serious mental impairment to her children by failing to protect them from her husband. The children told authorities that their stepfather inappropriately touched them and gave them breast exams in 2011. Sharon Nichols was given ten years’ probation on each count.

OKLAHOMA CITY — A former doctor arrested in Kilgore has a preliminary hearing in Oklahoma Wednesday. 71-year-old William Martin Valuck had already served time in federal prison before moving to Kilgore. D-E-A agents arrested him in December and extradited him back to Oklahoma. KETK reports prosecutors dropped one murder charge and 14 drug charges. He still faces more than sixty felonies and eight murders. Officials say Valuck wrote more prescriptions than any other doctor in the state and at least eight of those resulted in fatal overdoses.

LONGVIEW — A cross-dressing man, who is not a United States citizen, is facing deportation after pleading guilty to unlawful restraint of a 15-year-old in Longview. According to Gregg County judicial records, Sergio Antonio Galicia-Orozco, 41, received five years’ probation for a January 2012 incident in which Galicia-Orozco, while dressed as a woman, stroked a Longview teen’s stomach before reaching into the victim’s shorts. KETK reports Galicia-Orozco entered the guilty plea in December 2013 and was sentenced Thursday by Gregg County 124th District Judge Alfonso Charles. Continue reading Cross-Dresser Facing Deportation after Reaching into Boy’s Shorts